Gymnastics fall at Western Michigan

[It's the Journey...]

The falcons fought hard but at the end of the meet, in my opinion, a total of 4 missed routines kept victory just out of reach. The final was 193.400 for WMU and 193.075 for BG. I am sitting in a Panera Bread in Benton Harbor, MI and thought I would get this out for all of you to read. I am glad I was able to make the trip. My wife's pregnancy is going well and that allowed me the chance to venture out for one of the final times before the baby arrives. I am sure others will give more details as far as skills performed and names but here is what I noticed as someone who saw the team for the first time this season. Overall we are a solid team, but consistency or lack thereof is our worst enemy. BG got off to a solid start on Uneven Bars with a 48.500. Western had an excellent vault and grabbed the early lead with a 48.550. In the second rotation our Vault lineup was just as solid as Bars while Western had some problems and BG took the lead at the half 96.950 to 96.725. The Falcons went to floor for the third rotation and my expectations were very high. However, a fall and a landing out of bounds dropped a score that I think would have been very close to 49.000 down to a 48.325. Western was on Beam and put up a 48.375. So heading into the final rotation BG lead 145.275 to 145.100. Beam proved to be our undoing again with two girls missing their routines. Those falls resulted in a score of 47.800 for the event. If we hit we are right around 48.500. WMU had a good floor with 2 misses as well and scored a 48.300. So we were 1 fall away from victory (a fall is an automatic .500 deuction). If they hit all of their routines we are looking at a score right around 194.000. All the pieces are there to make a huge jump in the championship meet, things just need to get a little more consistent. I have faith that Kerrie and Shannon will have the girls focused for the rest of the season and more good things are in store for our Falcons.

[falcongymfans]

I agree 100%. You can afford 1 fall or major deduction on an event, but two will kill the final score. You just can't have it and expect to meet the team goals.

I really feel like this team can and will hit 194 before the end of the season. My question is can they hit anywhere close to 195? I really believe it is possible and these next three meets that's what they will be going for more than wins.

The last two meets at Anderson will be huge. DO NOT underestimate what fan support does in this sport. Aunts, Uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc ..... get them to Anderson for those last two meets. It would mean a lot to these athletes and launch them into the MAC Championships with a real shot at being at or very near the top. Don't just show up .... show your support by opening that mouth and making some noise.